Senate Favors Gambling Expansion

Illinois Senate OKs proposal for new casinos. The bill is now in the House.

West Suburban Unemployment Drops, but Still Up From 2012

Unemployment rates in Illinois dropped slightly from February to March, according to new figures released this week. That held true for several western suburbs, while the national rate was still down from 2012.

Cook County Air Quality Gets Failing Grade

According to the American Lung Association's 2013 "State of the Air," Cook County gets an "F."

70 MPH Speed Limit in Illinois: What Do You Think?

State Sen. Jim Oberweis is sponsoring a bill that would increase the state's highest speed limit by 5 mph.

Police Union May Sue Village Over New Position

The union representing the Western Springs Police Department feels an action being considered by the village would be unfair to current patrol officers.

Gov. Quinn Signs Property Tax Relief Law

New law increases senior homestead exemption and general homestead exemption.

Water Main Breaks Have Record-Setting Year in 2012 (Chart)

See where all the water main breaks happened in Western Springs during 2012, as well as how rainfall correlated to water main breaks over the past 30 years.

FBI Releases Images of Boston Marathon Bombing Suspects

Authorities have released video and still photos of two suspects they hope the public can help them to identify.

F-Bombs OK? FCC Asks If It Should Ease Swearing, Nudity Ban

Western Springs residents have begun to weigh in.

Governor Quinn: Local Communities Should Have Control in Conceal Carry Law

Gov. Quinn is looking for ways to tighten Illinois' impending conceal carry law, the Chicago Tribune reported this week.

Election Day 2013: Where is My Polling Place?

Where to cast your ballot for the local elections held Tuesday, April 9.

Republican Sen. Mark Kirk Supports Same-Sex Marriage

Sen. Mark Kirk expressed his support of same-marriage in a statement on his personal blog Tuesday.

Unemployment Rate Up in Western Suburbs, but U.S. Level Drops

Unemployment rates in Illinois increased slightly from January to February, according to new figures released last week. That held true for several western suburbs, while the national rate actually dropped.

IDOT Seeks Input on Bike Transportation Plan

Residents are asked to take a short online survey to help IDOT in the development stages of the plan.

Western Springs Could Lose $149K Under Quinn's Proposal

Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed to freeze state income taxes shared with local municipalities to generate an additional $68 million for the state budget.

Water Main Break Forces Water Shutoff for Businesses on Burlington

The shutoff is expected to affect businesses between Wolf and Lawn along Burlington, according to the village.

Where to File Your 2012 Taxes in Western Springs

Beyond TurboTax: Here's who can help you file your taxes before the April 15 deadline.

Strippers, Smokes and Sneakers? What Will Illinois Tax Next?

Lawmakers proposed new taxes on oil rigs, license plates, satellite TV, strip clubs and more to find money for schools, parks, youth centers and crisis centers. Reboot Illinois talks taxes.

Election 2013 Candidate: Lisa Garvin

Lisa Garvin is a candidate for the D101 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: John F. Corcoran

John F. Corcoran is a candidate for the D106 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a candidate for the D106 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: James J. Horvath

James J. Horvath is a candidate for the Village of Western Springs Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Michael Joseph Dickman

Michael Joseph Dickman is a candidate for the D106 Board.

Election 2013: Natalie M. Watkins

Natalie M. Watkins is a candidate for the D106 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Julie O'Connor

Julie O'Connor is a candidate for the D101 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Charles Lee Mudd, Jr.

Charles Lee Mudd, Jr. is a candidate for the D101 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Dan Dolgner

Dan Dolgner is a candidate for the D106 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Robert N. Milano

Robert N. Milano is a candidate for the Thomas Ford Memorial Library Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Karen Gibbs

Karen Gibbs is a candidate for the D101 Board.

Election 2013 Candidate: Jeanine M. Jasica

Jeanine M. Jasica is a candidate for Western Springs Village Clerk.

Election 2013 Candidate: Michael J. Johnson

Michael J. Johnson is a candidate for the D101 Board.

Election 2013: D106 Board

Patch has your guide to the 2013 election for the District 106 Board.

Election 2013: D101 Board

Patch has your guide to the 2013 election for the District 101 Board.

Durkin on Quinn Budget Address: 'Harsh Reality of Failure' on Pensions

The assistant Illinois House Republican leader and 82nd District rep said pension reform should be Springfield's number one priority.

Election 2013: Voter Registration Deadline, Early-Voting Period Nears

The dates you need to know leading up to the April 9 Consolidated Election.

Election 2013: Western Springs Park District Board

Patch has your guide to the 2013 election for the Western Springs Park District Board.

Election 2013: Thomas Ford Memorial Library Board

Patch has your guide to the 2013 election for the Thomas Ford Memorial Library Board.

Election 2013: Village of Western Springs Board

Patch has your guide to the 2013 election for the Village of Western Springs Board

Election 2013: Village of Western Springs Clerk

Patch has your guide to the 2013 election for the Village of Western Springs Clerk

Jim Falvey Named Lyons Township Republican Committeeman

The Western Springs resident will be replacing Tony Peraica, who resigned Dec. 31.